Attendance Soaring

NHL Hockey

October 25, 1996

NHL attendance is surging at a record pace, the league reported Thursday. An average of 16,191 fans attended the first 103 games this season, an increase of nearly 1,000 fans per game over last year's average at the same time.

The teams played to 90.6 percent of capacity through Wednesday's nights games, compared with 88.1 percent of capacity last year after 103 games.

Last season, the NHL set an all-time attendance record, exceeding 17 million for the first time.

The Montreal Canadiens lead the league with an average of 20,607 at the Molson Centre through five home dates. The Chicago Blackhawks set a single-season record last year with a 20,415 average, the first club to average more than 20,000 per game over a season.

The Florida Panthers have had three sellouts of 14,703 in as many games at the Miami Arena to open the season, an increase of 30.2 percent over last year.

NHL roll call

HARTFORD WHALERS

Recalled D Nolan Pratt from Springfield of the American Hockey League.